Category Archives: Astrophotography

Astronomía y astrología no son lo mismo. La astronomía es una ciencia que estudia el origen, naturaleza y evolución de los objetos del Universo tales como estrellas, planetas, galaxias o nebulosas mientras que la astrología es una pseudociencia que se sustenta sobre creencias y tradiciones y que intenta encontrar una influencia de la posición de los planetas en el devenir de las personas o en eventos.

Es bastante habitual que la gente confunda ambos términos y hay que tener cuidado porque hay pocas cosas que molesten tanto a un astrónomo como que le llamen astrólogo o que le hablen de signos zodiacales.

Si bien los astrólogos estudian la posición y movimiento de los astros su similitud con el trabajo de un astrónomo queda totalmente diferenciada desde hace siglos. En la antigüedad astronomía y astrología caminaban de la mano ya que ambas se fundamentaban en la observación de los objetos celestes. Pero mientras la astrología no ha avanzado desde hace siglos y sigue basándose en datos obsoletos e interpretaciones personales la astronomía ha sido una ciencia en constante cambio y evolución en la que su relación con otras ramas científicas como la química, la física o las matemáticas han dado a cabo una auténtica revolución que nos ha permitido estudiar objetos situados a miles de millones de años luz o incluso asomarnos al origen de nuestro propio Universo. A día de hoy la astronomía sigue planteando preguntas todavía sin respuesta.

La astrología carece de fundamento científico y por este motivo es considerada como un fraude. La difusión de cartas astrales y horóscopos solo contribuyen al fomento del irracionalismo y del oscurantismo. Promete algo que no cumple y en la mayoría de ocasiones a cambio de una contraprestación económica en la que el cliente resulta engañado.

Astrónomos

Actualmente el término «astrónomo» ha evolucionado a «astrofísico» ya que el estudio del cosmos se hace de acuerdo al estudio y aplicación de los métodos y leyes de la física. Entre las personas que practican la afición de observar los astros con telescopio o los que profesionalmente manejan instrumental astronómico con asiduidad si que se sigue utilizando el término «astrónomo» (en ocasiones entre los no profesionales se acompaña del complemento «amateur» o «aficionado» aunque este último no es aceptado por toda la comunidad por tener una posible interpretación peyorativa).

En cualquier caso, la observación y el estudio de los objetos celestes no puede estar nunca asociado a prácticas adivinatorias si quiere ser tomado con seriedad.

Tenga en cuenta que para llegar a ser astrofísico es necesario cursar una carrera universitaria (grado de Física) y realizar estudios de posgrado.

The Texas Star Party is held annually at Prude Ranch in the Davis Mountains during the new moon in May. The 3,500-acre ranch sits at 5,000 feet elevation and is located six miles northwest of Fort Davis, and only 12 miles (19 km) from the McDonald Observatory.

It started in 1979 as a weekend event at Davis Mountains State Park by Deborah Byrd, members of the Austin Astronomical Society and McDonald Observatory, before becoming a weeklong event at Prude Ranch in 1982.

We were invited to this event as guests of Sky-Watcher USA, and had the pleasure of using/demoing their gear on the field.

 

Texas Star Party Registration

Registration for the Texas Star Party opened in early January for the new moon May event. You will be asked to register everyone that plans to attend the star party with you, in addition to the following information: 

• Agree to their waiver, general liability release, and COVID mitigation protocols
• Dates/nights you will stay at the star party, even if you plan on staying off-site
• Arrival date and whether that date is flexible
• RV type and dimensions, sewer and water requirements (if applicable)
• Primary, secondary, and third housing preferences (if applicable)
• Your contact information, including your address

You will be required to create an account to complete registration and pay. In total, for both of us to register for the star party (with one person registered for a door prize ticket) it was $220 USD. 

You also have the option to add on other items during registration, such as group photos, t-shirts, and hats. 

The astronomy field at the Texas Star Party.

Arriving at Texas Star Party

We made arrangements to meet the Sky-Watcher team at the El Paso airport, after our connecting flight from Toronto to Denver. The team rented a large SUV for all of us (6 people total) to make the 3 hour drive to Fort Davis.

We went straight to the star party site when we arrived to check in at the front gate (get our name badges/wrist bands) and make sure that the gear Sky-Watcher had shipped down was covered in enough shrink wrap to be protected from the rain. After, we headed back to our hotel in Fort Davis to check in and get settled in. 

Arriving at the airport. Left to right: Jeff Simon (Sky-Watcher), Greg Bragg (Celestron), Trevor, Ashley, Jarred Donkersley (Sky-Watcher), Kevin LeGore (Sky-Watcher)

Travel Tips: 

• Depending on which airport you fly into, you will have at least a 3-hour drive ahead of you. Leave plenty of time to get to your destination before dark.
• The small town of Fort Davis, located near the star party site, has a grocery store, liqueur store, restaurants, gas station, etc. Unlike some other star parties (i.e. Okie-Tex), you will be able to get to these amenities within a 10-12 drive of the star party.

Harvard Hotel in Fort Davis

Where to Stay for the Texas Star Party

There are a variety of options for staying on-site: 

• Tent/Dry Camping: there are 75 dry camping sites (some with electricity) available on first come first serve basis. This includes access to showers and use of electrical hookups for telescopes and equipment. More info on tent/dry camping here. 
• Trailer/RV Site: assigned in advance near the north and south observing fields. They include water and electrical hookups. Those staying at the RV sites must arrive before 6 p.m. to allow enough time to setup before dark. 
• Bunkhouse: cabins accommodate 8 to 20 people with community bathrooms. You are required to bring your own bedding and pillows.
• Family Cabin: cabins accommodate 6 people max and include a bathroom and linen.

Map of Prude Ranch | Texas Star Party

They operate a random lottery system to assign attendees to one of their three housing requests (if available). Those who have selected tent/dry camping, or those staying offsite are exempt from the random housing lottery.

We stayed off-site at the Harvard Hotel, an 8-suite, rustic Texas-style hotel offering large rooms and a restaurant on-site.  It was only a short 10-12 minute drive from the star party. 

Our Hotel Room

There are several other lodging options in or nearby the town of Fort Davis: 

• Sproul Ranch
• Fort Davis Inn & RV
• Hotel Limpia 
• Mountainside Inn

FYI: If you are staying off-site, you will need to park outside the park gates and walk to your vehicle each night. This is when we noticed the size of the Prude Ranch, based on how long it took us to complete the walk each night. I would estimate a 15-minute walk from where we were on the upper field to the gates. 

Meals and Food Options

All of the covered housing accommodations on the ranch include a meal plan. The full-week meal plan includes 13 meals (6 lunches and 7 dinners), starting Sunday evening through Saturday night (excluding breakfast).

There are meal plans available for those staying on-site, off-site, or those who are tent camping for an additional charge. There is also the option to sign up for individual meals (at least one day in advance) at the Ranch office. 

The Red Light Snack Shack is also available for those looking for late-night light eats or beverages. Visit the Shack to find out what types of snacks are available. 

If you are looking for alternative food options, you can visit Fort Davis for local restaurants or a grocery store to pick up some food/snacks. There are also additional options not far from the star party in the towns of Marfa (32 minutes) and Alpine (37 minutes). 

Sky-Watcher Telescopes set up on the upper astronomy field. 

Events at Texas Star Party

There are lots of events to participate in at the Texas Star Party, including:

• Speakers
• Swap Meet
• Vendor booths
• McDonald Observatory tours

As off-site attendees, it was more difficult to be around or involved in the other star party activities. With the changing weather forecast that wasn’t always favorable for astrophotography, we weren’t always at the ranch when these events were going on.  

We did get a chance to do some sightseeing on our own visiting the McDonald Observatory, the VLBA Radio Telescope, a private observatory, and Prada Marfa.

VLBA Radio Telescope 

The VLBA Radio telescope is a 10-minute drive from the star party site, located on the Sproul Ranch. This radio telescope is part of a network of 10 observing stations across the United States.

Similar to the other 10 observing stations, this radio telescope has a 25-meter radio antenna dish and a control building. It captures radio signals through each antenna which are then digitized and recorded. The data captured is used to map the universe, monitor changes on Earth, and track near-Earth asteroids.  

FYI: It is a rough road, so be prepared if you plan to take the dirt road up to the telescope. 

McDonald Observatory

We had a chance to visit the McDonald Observatory visitors center, and both sites on Mount Locke (Harlin J. Smith telescope and Otto Stuve Telescope) and Mount Fowlkes (Hobby-Eberly Telescope).

At the visitor’s center, we got a chance to see the ‘Protecting Dark Skies’ exhibit and its amazing outreach facilities. 

Light Pollution Exhibit

On Mount Locke, while doing our own self-guided tour, we saw (and asked) one of the operators if they wouldn’t mind letting us see the Harlin J. Smith telescope. He took us inside and gave us a full description of the telescope, and his work, and answered our questions. 

107″  (2.7m) Harlin J. Telescope

Prada Marfa

On our way back to El Paso, we stopped at Prada Marfa which is an art installation designed to resemble a Prada store. Though the front door does not open, it does include large windows displaying actual Prada shoes and handbags from the 2005 fall/winter collection. 

Prada Marfa

Rules at Texas Star Party

• Light Restrictions: only dim red light only after dark. This includes vehicle headlights/taillights/interior lights, RV trailer/camper interior lights without proper shielding etc. No laser pointers or any other form of lighting after dark. 
• No Driving at Night: driving a vehicle after dark is prohibited and the front gates close at 9:00 p.m. to restrict traffic. If you plan on leaving, park outside the gates and face your headlights away from the star party. 
• Electricity limited to Telescope Equipment: with the demand of electricity, only telescope drive equipment, anit-dew gear, laptop computers are to be connected to power outlets. 
• No smoking: starting in 2022, a smoking ban was instituted as a health and safety concern for all attendees. There is no smoking or vaping allowed on any of the observing fields and a 50-foot perimeter around all fields and building. 
• Tent camping in designated areas only: areas approved for setting up tents will be marked. Cars must be removed from the observing fields after you have loaded/unloaded your camping gear. 
• No Dogs: Dogs are no longer allowed at the star party due to past issues with barking, uncleaned messes and unpredictable behavior. The exception is anyone staying in an RV may bring dog, who must stay inside their camper
• Done restrictions: to fly a drone, the owner must obtain a permit from the head of security. Drones cannot be flown at night during the lighting restrictions or within 100-foot radius around the ham shack. 

Only dim red lights are permitted after dark at the Texas Star Party.

Items to Bring

Like most star parties, you will want to make sure you have all your imaging or observing gear, but you’ll also want to make sure you bring along some other helpful items:

• Anti-dew Device: our first clear night on the field was extremely dewy. You could hear the hair dryers being used on the larger Dob telescopes. If you’re imaging, be sure to bring your dew heaters just in case. 
• Tarp/Waterproof Cover: it nice to cover your equipment during the day to protect it from sunlight but if you have something waterproof, even better. Because the weather was so unpredictable during our trip and changed quickly, having a tarp or weatherproof cover to throw over your set up will be really helpful to avoid constantly tearing down.
• Tie-downs: we heard about this during the Okie-Tex star party, that high winds and dust devils can lift your heavy equipment. It was the same here at Texas Star Party, and we used stakes hammered into the ground with bungie cords to tie-down gear.  
• Extension Cords: Extra/long extension cords are never a bad idea. Maybe aim for at lease 25 to 30 feet in length to reach outlets. 
• Chair: Clear nights can make for long nights out on the field. If you are able, be sure to bring a chair to lounge in while you’re collecting data.

Bortle 2 Skies

The skies at the Texas Star Party are dark, coming in at a Bortle 2. 

To maintain the darkness of the skies in the area, the McDonald Observatory has collaborated with the surrounding communities to promote dark-sky-friendly lighting. It is also part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, covering 15,000 square miles, protecting the shared night sky through better outdoor lighting. It is also the largest IDA-certified reserve in the world.

The Texas Star Party continues to strongly support the protection of dark skies through funding public information, efficient lighting practices, and exterior lighting ordinances in western Texas. The star party was also part of a ‘Light Reduction Project’, where donors raised funds for the replacement of various street light fixtures in the nearby towns of Fort Davis, Valentine, Marfa and Alpine. 

Better lighting practices and commitment to preserving dark skies benefits both the star party, the viability of the McDonald Observatory, and anyone who enjoys natural dark skies.

Deep-Sky Astrophotography Setup

The Sky-Watcher team provided the telescopes and mounts for us to use/demo while at the star party. As a vendor, they had gear shipped down for the event, and we made arrangements with them ahead of time regarding what gear we would using. 

Trevor’s Set up

This meant that we could travel a lot lighter than we normally do while flying. We typically only bring what will fit in our carry-on luggage to avoid checked baggage with telescope gear. This means we usually bring a small, wide-field set up. For this trip, all we needed to bring was the camera, guide scope, and cords.

Trevor’s Setup

Trevor’s photo of the Trifid Nebula captured at the Texas Star Party.

Ashley’s Setup

Though Ashley shot four different targets, the Cat’s Paw was the one she really had her sights set on. She managed to get two hours of total exposure time on this target during our first clear night. She also shot M13, M101, and M83 – all new targets for her.

Take advantage of the dark skies at a star party. Select targets new targets not typically available to you, dark nebulae targets that are most difficult to shoot with light pollution, or smaller/dimmer targets.  

Ashley’s Cat’s Paw Nebula

Final Thoughts

The Texas Star Party is another great event where you can meet and connect with a lot of other amateur astronomers. There were loads of people willing to share their inventions, solar telescopes, and information about their gear.

Thankfully, the weather in the area was constantly changing day-to-day so we did end up getting a few clear nights. However, I think we experienced a far less populated event due to the predicted weather. 

As new attendees that were not familiar with the ranch layout, we noticed the buildings were not marked with signage. It was hard to tell where things were, especially in the dark. We attempted to find the snack shack at night but it was in a building that resembled a lot of the cabins, so we never did end up finding it.

Having signage to mark important buildings (i.e. bathrooms, snack shack, presentations building, etc.) would be beneficial for newcomers, or handing out a printed map during registration at the gate would help.

Related Content

DarkSky has announced its fourth annual ‘Capture the Dark’ astrophotography contest to highlight the importance of a dark sky to all living things – and to highlight light pollution. 

The anti-light pollution organization – fresh from a re-brand from International Dark-Sky Association – has an International Dark Sky Places program that encourages the protection of dark sites. Many of them are favourites with astrophotographers looking for compositions of the night sky. 

(CTN NEWS) – At [CTN NEWS], we are committed to pushing the boundaries of astrophotography by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

With our cutting-edge AI tools, capturing awe-inspiring images of the cosmos has never been easier.

In this article, we will delve into the world of astrophotography and explore the incredible AI-powered tools that are revolutionizing the way we capture the beauty of the universe.

The Art of Astrophotography

Astrophotography is a captivating art form that allows us to document the mesmerizing beauty of celestial objects such as stars, galaxies, and nebulae.

Traditionally, astrophotographers faced numerous challenges, including long exposure times, precise tracking, and post-processing techniques.

However, with the advent of AI, these obstacles are now being overcome, enabling photographers to achieve stunning results with greater ease and efficiency.

AI-Powered Tools for Astrophotography

1. Intelligent Image Stacking

Image stacking is a powerful technique that involves combining multiple images of the same celestial object to enhance details and reduce noise.

Our AI-powered tool utilizes advanced algorithms to automatically analyze and align multiple images, resulting in a final composite image that showcases incredible clarity and depth.

By leveraging the power of AI, photographers can achieve breathtaking results in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.

2. Noise Reduction and Enhancement

Capturing images of distant celestial objects often leads to the presence of noise, which can hinder the overall quality of the photograph.

Our AI tool employs sophisticated denoising algorithms to effectively minimize noise while preserving important details.

Additionally, it enhances the overall image by intelligently sharpening fine details and enhancing colors, bringing out the true beauty of the cosmos.

3. Automated Tracking and Guiding

Precise tracking is essential in astrophotography to prevent star trailing and capture sharp, pinpoint stars.

Our AI-powered tracking and guiding system utilizes state-of-the-art algorithms to automatically adjust the telescope’s positioning, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the exposure.

This eliminates the need for manual adjustments and allows photographers to focus on composition and creative aspects of their shots.

4. Deep Sky Object Identification

Identifying deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae can be a time-consuming process. Our AI tool incorporates deep learning algorithms to analyze images and provide real-time identification of celestial objects.

This feature significantly reduces the time spent on manual identification, enabling astrophotographers to spend more time capturing stunning images and less time on tedious tasks.

5. Post-Processing Assistance

Post-processing plays a vital role in astrophotography, allowing photographers to fine-tune their images for optimal results.

Our AI-powered post-processing assistance tool provides intelligent recommendations for adjustments, such as contrast, saturation, and color balance, based on advanced image analysis.

This invaluable feature helps photographers achieve professional-grade results efficiently and consistently.

Conclusion

With the emergence of AI tools, astrophotography has reached new heights, empowering photographers to capture the wonders of the cosmos like never before.

From intelligent image stacking to automated tracking and guiding, these tools have revolutionized the way we approach astrophotography, enabling us to create breathtaking images with remarkable ease and efficiency.

At [CTN NEWS], we are proud to be at the forefront of this technological advancement, providing photographers with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of their astrophotography endeavors.

So why wait? Join us on this incredible journey and embark on a celestial adventure with our state-of-the-art AI tools for astrophotography. Start capturing the cosmos like never before and witness the beauty of the universe unfold before

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It’s Milky Way season. From early spring through late summer our galaxy’s billions of stars arc across the night sky and it’s become a staple of astrophotography. The trend comes into the spotlight with the announcement this week by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas of its 6th annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection.

Published in late May each year – the peak time for photographing the Milky Way –

– its aim is to inspire astrophotographers and others to capture and share the beauty of our galaxy.

The 25 stunning Milky Way images it showcases come from 25 photographers from 16 countries. The final 25 images were selected by Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, from over 3,000 entries. They include stunning images from unusual locations for astrophotography including Yemen, Madagascar, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Japan, Iran and Indonesia.

The winning images also include plenty taken in classic astrophotography locations such as Namibia, Chile’s Atacama desert and New Zealand.

Here are our favorite images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year:

1. ‘Night under the Baobab Trees’ by Steffi Lieberman 

One of the most notable winning images in this year’s competition was this one, above, taken using a Sony A7R III astro-nodified camera by photographer Steffi Lieberman in Madagascar, a location not normally associated with astrophotography. “This photo means a lot to me, and I can’t even begin to tell you how difficult it was to take it,” said Lieberman. “From the road conditions to the armed security guards protecting you while you take photos, everything about it was an adventure.”

2. ‘South of Home’ by Lorenzo Ranieri Tenti

Namibia – a dream destination for astrophotographers after incredible foregrounds – featured heavily in the contest. “The panoramic photograph captures the breathtaking scene in the Gross Spitzkoppe Nature Reserve, where the southern Milky Way gracefully spans a remarkable formation of smooth granite boulders,” said Lorenzo Ranieri Tenti about the above image. “This area holds a unique charm, with Mount Spitzkoppe being the sole prominent feature for kilometers, majestically rising 700 meters above the endless savannah.” The photographer used a Sony A7S astro-modified camera.

Story continues

3. ‘The La Palma Astroexperience’ by Jakob Sahner

The Canary Islands are blessed with volcanic peaks that sit above the clouds, shielded from light pollution, as proven by this image, above, from the island of La Palma by Jakob Sahner. “La Palma and the Canary Islands are ideal for astrophotography due to the trade wind clouds that sit at around 1000 meters,” said Sakner who also used a Sony A7S astro-modified camera. “Being above these clouds makes it clear enough for capturing images, provided there is no haze or high cirrus clouds.”

4. ‘The Night of Huayhuash’ by Jose D. Riquelme 

Jose D. Riquelme used a Sony A7 IV to capture Peru’s Huayhuash (pronounced “why-wash”), an Andes mountain range within the Cordillera Huayhuash Reserved Zone. “It’s home to stunning landscapes with mountains and lakes, offering unique opportunities to capture the Milky Way in all its splendor,” said Riquelme. “Night photography in this location is an unforgettable experience, as the altitude and clean air allow the stars to shine brightly.”

5. ‘Celestial Shield’ by Iván Ferrero

Ávila, Spain was the location for Iván Ferrero’s image of Aunqueospese, a 14th-century Gothic castle. “I embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour drive … the rough dirt road forced me to abandon my car and trek for about thirty minutes,” said Ferrero, who used a Sony A7R III camera. “Once it got dark, I captured a panoramic shot of the ground before tracking the Milky Way as Orion took its position … I kept the tripod low to prevent blurring and ensure stability.”

When the ‘Milky Way season’ takes place depends on your position on the planet. Large referring to the time of the year it’s possible to see the bright core of the Milky Way – located within the constellations Sagittarius about 25,800 light-years distant – it’s January-November in the Southern Hemisphere and February-October in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the best time to see and photograph the Milky Way is typically between May and June.

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William Optics has introduced their third variation of the original RedCat Petzval Astrograph, the William Optics RedCat 61.

It’s small, it’s mighty, and it’s REDDER than ever. There’s also a huge change to this version of the RedCat when compared to the RedCat 51 and RedCat 71.

Like most reviews/first lights, I do my best to cover everything you need to know about this telescope before buying it while also capturing a beautiful deep-sky object to show you what it can do.

I have not been compensated for a positive review, nor does the company have any say in my review. It’s a ‘play with it and let us know what you think’ kind of deal.

William Optics RedCat 61

The RedCat 61 has a focal length of 300mm and a focal ratio of F/4.9. This means it is best used for wide-field nebulae projects and only the biggest galaxies. The moon is also in play, but planets are just too small for this scope. 

Like the RedCats before it, the 61 uses FPL-53 glass in a Petzval lens design.

You can attach your full-frame DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy camera to the T-mount and enjoy a 46mm image circle.

The William Optics RedCat 61 is Available at Agena Astro. 

In the past, when using a full-frame camera, I’ve had to crop about 5% of the frame away using the RedCats. I expect to do the same with this one. 

The scope weighs just 7.5 pounds, and you can likely tack on another 3-4 pounds for camera gear. This places the RedCat 61 in the small equatorial mount category or even on a well-balanced star tracker setup like the Star Adventurer or GTI.

The new internal focus design on the RedCat 61 (WIFD).

The biggest change to this Cat is one that I think will make people who may have ignored the first version take notice. The helical focuser is gone, and it now uses the patented WIFD internal focus design.

You know what that means – you can now use a traditional autofocuser with this scope, like the popular EAF. This internal focuser design is also available on the latest GT 81 APO, and I think William realizes he has a winner with this one. 

William Optics RedCat 61 Specifications

Let’s have a look at the core specs of this refractor telescope.

• Focal Length: 300mm
• Diameter: 61mm
• Aperture: f/4.9
• Image circle: 46mm FF
• Flattener: Petzval Flat Field
• Focuser: Internal Focus Design 
• OTA Weight: 5.43lbs / 2.465kg
• Total Weight: 7.47lbs / 3.390kg

What’s Included in the Box?

In terms of overall presentation and attention to detail,  all of the William Optics stuff is really slick. It always includes a stitched, padded bag and certificate of inspection. 

Included with the RedCat 61 are the red tube rings, a cat series handlebar for attaching other accessories, and a dovetail bar. Like most other William Optics telescopes, a dew shield cover and patented built-in Bahtinov mask are also included. 

What Comes with the RedCat 61:

• Stitched and padded carry bag
• Tube Rings
• Cat Handlebar
• Dovetail bar
• Built-in dew shield
• Built-in Bahtinov mask 

The Set Up 

As you can see, it’s RED overload here on the ZWO AM5 mount – some may say it’s even TOO red. 

My Astrophotography Setup featuring the RedCat 61.

In terms of mounting, a GoTo mount in the 20-30 lb payload range is more than enough. I’m sure the AM5 will be a popular choice if you plan on traveling with the rig.

Sticking with the lightweight motif, you can see the tiny 32mm guide scope I’ve mounted to the cat saddle. You can pick up an ASI120MM Mini and a little guide scope like this for about $250 (all in). 

I’m a big fan of ultra-portable setups like this, but make no mistake, a configuration like this is best for capturing WIDE field images. If you want to go deeper, you’ll need a longer focal length. 

I used the ASIAIR Plus to run the camera, which is an ASI2600MM Pro with an electronic filter wheel in front. With this camera – I get an image scale of about 2.5 arc seconds per pixel. This may be a little crispy (i.e. pixely, boxy, stars) for some, but overall it’s pretty well matched.

I would suggest not obsessing over image scale because a lot of these ‘rules’ don’t mean a whole lot after you apply techniques like BlurXterminator afterward anyway. 

Because of its compact size, I am looking forward to testing it out with my full-frame mirrorless camera in the future as well. The threaded M48 connection at the back of the scope couldn’t be easier, and with no additional flattener or reducer needed the correct backspacing at this connection is ready to go.

Astrophotography Results with the RedCat 61

To all the people that accuse me of shooting the same targets over and over again, I am happy to inform you that I went after something a little more obscure with this telescope.

Just north of the star Sadr lies a collection of sinewy ribbons of hydrogen gas and a fascinating object known as the Propeller Nebula. After over a decade of shooting, I have never attempted to photograph this nebula before!

This is what a stack of images looks like in Ha, OIII, and SII with the RedCat 61. Everything looks as it should in terms of optics  – but as I said, narrowband imaging doesn’t exactly scrutinize a scope. 

I shot this target in narrowband due to a bright, 82% illuminated Moon. The seeing conditions during this image were not great and I was shooting through high clouds for a while.

If we combine the narrowband image stacks together into RGB channels, you get a little something like this.  

The Propeller Nebula in Cygnus. 3 Hours Total Exposure.

Image Details:

• 15 x 4-minutes (H-Alpha)
• 15 x 4-minutes (SII)
• 15 x 4-minutes (OIII)

The images were registered and calibrated in DeepSkyStacker, and processed in Adobe Photoshop and PixInsight. For a better understanding of the way I process my astrophotography images, feel free to check out my premium image processing guide. 

To test the color correction of the scope, I’ll need to collect some broadband images. You can expect to see those added to this article as soon as I get the RedCat 61 under a moonless sky.

Differences Between RedCats

Here is a table showing the differences between the three generations of RedCat telescopes.

	RedCat 51	RedCat 61	RedCat 71
Aperture	51mm	61mm	71mm
Focal Length	250mm	300mm	348mm
Focal Ratio	f/4.9	f/4.9	f/4.9
Optical Design	Petzval Refractor	Petzval Refractor	Petzval Refractor
Weight (OTA with ring, dovetail and saddle)	3.9 lbs / 1.76 kg	7.47lbs / 3.390kg	8.2lbs / 3.7kg
Tube Length (fully extended)	291mm	365mm	435mm
Image Circle	43mm	46mm FF	45mm
Focuser	Manual Helical focuser	WIFD (WO Internal Focus Design)	Helical Focuser with 2GT Gear Ring
Field of View	4.88° x 3.25° (with APS-C camera)	4.88° x 3.25° (with APS-C camera)	4.88° x 3.25° (with APS-C camera)
Approximate Price (USD)	$865	$1,598	$1,698

Unlike when the original RedCat 51 came out in 2019, there are several telescope options to choose from at this focal length.

With the introduction of the internal focuser, it seems like William is moving away from the ‘is it a telescope or a lens’ idea, and doubling down on the idea of an astrophotographic-specific Petzval APO refractor.

I personally experienced some slight issues with TILT on the previous Redcats, but to be fair, I didn’t really have the right tools or know-how to properly identify and adjust them. They did come with a tilt adjuster, but it was a hard thing to get just right. 

I have a feeling that a big part of the new focuser design will address this issue, I will have to use it more to find out for sure.  

Final Thoughts

The William Optics RedCat 61 is a premium astrograph with high-end optics. There are no additional field flatteners or reducers needed for optimum performance.

It has a huge image circle and rotator, the types of things you have come to expect from the Cat series of telescopes.

The internal focuser was a good call, and you can now use a standard autofocuser. The WIFD design means you’re not extending the imaging train to reach focus, which is a nice change for those of us who are used to a long imaging train.

One issue I had with the RedCat 61, so far, was the size of the huge focuser knob, and its central position on the telescope. It runs into the mounting plate on the AM5.

To fix this, I had to move the scope up a bit, but at first, I couldn’t understand why the focuser wouldn’t move. Not technically an issue – more of something to keep in mind

The other thing to consider is, of course, the cost. It is currently $1600 USD, and for a 61mm telescope, that’s pretty steep. However, you save the cost of a corrector and it comes with a bag, dovetail to mount a guide scope, and Bahtinov mask.

I think there is a huge market for this telescope. I think it has to potential to outsell the original RedCat 51, which would really be something.

There’s definitely a goldy-locks vibe to the 61. The 51 was impressive and small, the 71 had more reach but kept the helical focuser but this one gets just about everything right.

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Friday, June 2
Look west shortly after sunset tonight and you’ll find Mars stealing the show high above the horizon. The Red Planet sits perfectly nestled among the glittering stars of the Beehive Cluster (M44) in the central regions of Cancer the Crab. The magnitude 3.7 cluster is readily visible to the naked eye as a grayish-white fuzzy patch once the sky grows dark, with one brighter, ruddy point of light that is magnitude 1.6 Mars.

Because the cluster is so large — it has an apparent diameter of just over 1.5° — you’ll want to opt for lower magnifications to catch its myriad stars and the planet currently visiting them. Binoculars, a small scope, or even your finder scope are all great choices. Mars currently stands roughly 2 astronomical units from Earth (1 astronomical unit, or AU, is the average Earth-Sun distance). The planet’s disk is 5″ across — it will likely appear as a small circle rather than a pinpoint of light like the stars scattered behind it. Far beyond the solar system, M44 lies nearly 600 light-years away. Based on its age, distance, and motion through the galaxy, astronomers suspect the Beehive and the Hyades in Taurus, now rising with the Sun and invisible in the daytime sky, may have a common origin some 700 to 800 million years ago.

This pairing will make a great target for astrophotography, as even a relatively short exposure should net you a great view. Mars will remain among the Beehive’s stars for at least another night as the planet moves slowly east along the ecliptic. Brilliant Venus, which tonight is an unmissable evening star at the border of Gemini and Cancer (currently to Mars’ west, or lower right), is also moving east and will make its own visit to the Beehive later this month.

Sunrise: 5:33 A.M.
Sunset: 8:23 P.M.
Moonrise: 7:11 P.M.
Moonset: 4:14 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous (97%)
*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.

Saturday, June 3
Full Moon occurs late tonight at 11:42 P.M. EDT. The June Full Moon is also called the Strawberry Moon, as it occurs around the time these berries are ripe and ready to pick in North America. Instead of pink, though, you may instead notice a slight yellowish cast to Luna tonight, as it follows the lowest path in the sky it will take this year.

Given that the blazing Full Moon will definitely steal the show, let’s put our focus there. Viewing the Full Moon with a telescope can be quite bright, but there are a few tricks you can use to keep your eyes from watering! Opt for higher magnification, which will reduce your telescope’s field of view and let less light through. Or, you can even wear sunglasses as you peep through the eyepiece. Dedicated Moon filters can also make observing Earth’s satellite more comfortable and bring out subtle detail.

Once you’ve got the Moon in your sights, aim for the northeastern rim. Here you’ll find the young crater Thales — young in comsic terms, at least! A few hundred million years old, this pockmark features a V-shaped fan of debris spreading southwestward, hinting at the shallow angle of the hit that created it. Keep looking toward the lunar limb to see if you can spot Hayn on the far edge, nearly in profile. Scanning this region in general will show a stunning, almost 3D view of our satellite as shallow shadows cross the rugged landscape.

Sunrise: 5:33 A.M.
Sunset: 8:24 P.M.
Moonrise: 8:25 P.M.
Moonset: 4:49 A.M.
Moon Phase: Full

Sunday, June 4
The distant ice giant Uranus typically requires binoculars or a telescope to spot. This morning you can use brighter, naked-eye Mercury to point the way, as the two planets lie within 3° of each other after Mercury passes 3° due south of Uranus at 1 A.M. EDT.

Some 40 minutes before sunrise, the pair is low on the eastern horizon. Mercury is just 4° high, with Uranus still to its north (upper left on the sky). The smaller, closer planet is brightening quickly, now magnitude 0.2 after starting the month 0.2 magnitude fainter. A clear eastern horizon will aid in identifying the bright morning star; once you’ve found it, use binoculars or a telescope to slide north and look for Uranus in the growing twilight. The earlier you look, the better, as the magnitude 5.9 ice giant will get harder to see as the sky lightens. Plus, you’ll want to put away any optics well before the Sun is due to rise from your location.

It can be quite interesting to compare the appearance of the two planets in your eyepiece. Mercury — much closer to Earth at 0.9 AU, is obviously the smaller of the two planets but appears 7″ across due to its proximity. Can you also tell that it is just 50 percent lit? Because it lies closer to the Sun than Earth, Mercury appears to go through phases as it orbits. By contrast, Uranus lies more than 20 AU away, appearing as a fully lit disk but spanning 3″, less than half of Mercury’s width. Uranus is, of course, much larger than Earth or Mercury, but its vast distance shrinks its apparent size in the sky.

Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation (45°) at 7 A.M. EDT. Now in Cancer in the evening sky, the bright planet will remain above the horizon some three hours after sunset. Through a telescope, its large, 24″-wide disk also appears half-lit.

Sunrise: 5:32 A.M.
Sunset: 8:25 P.M.
Moonrise: 9:39 P.M.
Moonset: 5:34 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (99%)

Monday, June 5
The large, frigid moon Titan lies due north of Saturn this morning. You can find the ringed planet riding relatively high in the southeast a few hours before dawn, floating in the “watery” part of the sky in Aquarius.

Zoom in with a telescope and you’ll surely see 8th-magnitude Titan above the northern pole, though you may also catch a few fainter moons clustering near the rings as well. 10th-magnitude Tethys is almost due east of the rings, while Rhea lies to the southeast, close to the planet’s disk. Depending on what time you look, Dione may be located just west of Saturn’s northern regions — just before 5 A.M. EDT, this moon will disappear behind the planet, taking roughly 90 minutes to reappear. This occurs in daylight on the East Coast and shortly before sunrise in the Midwest. Observers farther west will have the best views of the moon’s reappearance.  

Look also for the shadow of the planet obscuring the rings on the western side. This highlights the geometry of the solar system by showing where the Sun is in relation to the planet, based on how and where shadows fall. If you’re able to spot a dark gap in the rings themselves, that’s no shadow — it’s likely the large Cassini Division, which separates the outer A ring from the middle B ring closer to the planet. The A ring itself has a small, dark gap as well: the Encke Gap. It requires good seeing and decent magnification to spot.

Sunrise: 5:32 A.M.
Sunset: 8:25 P.M.
Moonrise: 10:43 P.M.
Moonset: 6:30 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (97%)

Tuesday, June 6
Asteroid 11 Parthenope reaches opposition at 5 A.M. EDT. Although it’s visible all night, you’ll want to try spotting this space rock in Ophiuchus in the few hours between sunset and moonrise, after darkness has fallen but before the Moon’s bright light floods the sky.

At 9th magnitude, Parthenope is still within reach of binoculars, though a small scope may aid your search a bit better. After dark, look southeast, where the large circular constellation Ophiuchus stands. To its south (lower right) is Scorpius, whose bright red giant heart, Antares, should be easy to identify. From Antares, scan slowly northeast — Parthenope lies about 12° northeast of this star, or alternatively about 3° due west of 2nd-magitude Eta (η) Ophiuchi. Parthenope is just 35″northeast of a brighter 6th-magnitude field star.

The waning gibbous Moon reaches perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit, at 7:06 P.M. EDT. Our satellite will then stand 226,714 miles (364,861 kilometers) away.

Sunrise: 5:32 A.M.
Sunset: 8:26 P.M.
Moonrise: 11:38 P.M.
Moonset: 7:38 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (91%)

Wednesday, June 7
Now that it’s June, let’s check out the American Association of Variable Star Observers’ (AAVSO) featured variable of the month: La Superba, The Magnificent. Cataloged as Y Canum Venaticorum and located in Canes Venatici the Hunting Dogs, this deep red star gains its hue from the plentiful carbon in its atmosphere. But that’s not its only quirk: Over the course of about 157 days, La Superba’s brightness changes by some 75 percent, swinging between magnitude 4.8 and 6.3. That means sometimes it’s readily visible to the naked eye, while others it’s at the edge of visibility, particularly if there’s light pollution present.

You’ll find La Superba under the curve of the Big Dipper’s handle high in the north after sunset. It’s located 4.5° northeast of 4th-magnitude Chara (Beta [β] Canum Venaticorum) or just over 11° southwest of 2nd-magnitde Alkaid at the very end of the Big Dipper’s handle. If you can’t spot this ruddy sun by eye, binoculars or any small telescope will bring it into view.

Canes Venatici is a small and often overlooked constellation, but there’s plenty to see here. If you’re curious about what else it holds, check out Phil Harrington’s column on other treasures to observe within the Hunting Dogs.  

Sunrise: 5:32 A.M.
Sunset: 8:26 P.M.
Moonrise: —
Moonset: 8:54 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (83%)

Thursday, June 8
Dwarf planet 1 Ceres is traveling through an extragalactic haven, sliding near the well-known Virgo Cluster. To find the main-belt world, wait an hour or two after sunset and look for Leo the Lion, headed face-down toward the western horizon. The tip of the lion’s tail is 2nd-magnitude Denebola; Ceres lies just less than 5.5° to this star’s southeast. At 8th magnitude, you can capture this icy world in binoculars or any small scope, especially in the dark sky before the Moon has risen.

From Ceres’ location, it’s another short jump of about 6° northeast this time to M87, the giant elliptical galaxy at the heart of the Virgo Cluster. This galaxy is particularly famous, as its central black hole was the first such object ever imaged by the Event Horizon telescope. The galaxy itself shines at magnitude 8.6, easily captured in low-powered optics as a round fuzzball spanning about 7′. Because it’s an elliptical with no spiral structure, even bumping up the magnification won’t really change its appearance.

Nearby is a plethora of other galaxies — check out the chart above to view some of the brighter options on display, including Markarian’s Chain, a string of several galaxies that is a favorite of amateur observers.

Sunrise: 5:31 A.M.
Sunset: 8:27 P.M.
Moonrise: 12:20 A.M.
Moonset: 10:11 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (74%)

Friday, June 9
The Moon continues to wane as it moves along the ecliptic, passing 3° south of Saturn at 4 P.M. EDT. The pair isn’t visible then — you’ll have to catch them in the early-morning sky before sunrise, when they are farther apart but both still sharing southern Aquarius.

An hour before sunrise, Saturn is more than 30° high in the southeast, with Luna floating some 8.5° south-southwest of the planet. Through a telescope, you’ll notice that Titan has moved far from its position earlier this week and now sits nearly 3′ from the planet, due east of the disk. You can also turn your telescope back to the Moon to explore the 66-percent-lit gibbous, focusing particularly on the terminator dividing lunar night from day. As the terminator sweeps across the surface, it swallows features in darkness and brings out stunning detail at the place where light and dark meet. Move your gaze up and down the terminator to explore the many craters and lava-filled plains.

Over in Aries above the eastern horizon, you can also spot Jupiter more than 10° high. All four of its Galilean moons appear around it this morning, with Europa (closest) and Ganymede to the west and Io and Callisto to the east. The positions of the latter two depend on when you look — for those on the East Coast, the planet rises with Callisto closer than Io. The two exchange positions just after 5 A.M. CDT (essentially the moment of sunrise on the East Coast, so your optics should be put away!), when Callisto is due north of Io. After that, Callisto moves farther away, while Io sits closer to the planet.

Sunrise: 5:31 A.M.
Sunset: 8:28 P.M.
Moonrise: 12:55 A.M.
Moonset: 11:28 P.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (63%)

Sky This Week is brought to you in part by Celestron.

If you’re looking for a stills camera, you’ve come to the right place – the Canon EOS R5 may just be the best around.

Canon is a regular fixture on both our best camera for astrophotography and best camera for wildlife photography lists, and for good reason – their snappers tend to be versatile, with impressive autofocus, and a form factor that’s immediately familiar to pros and newcomers alike.

They can, however, be expensive (as with all the best things in life), but this Walmart deal knocks a huge $700 off of the body-only variant of the Canon EOS R5.

Key features: 45 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, dual memory card slots, 8K video capability

Product launched: July 2020

Price history: This deal is the lowest we’ve seen it at Amazon – but Walmart has dropped even lower with $3199.99. If that’s still a little high for you, it’s worth looking at this Canon EOS deal which remains active and is ideal for beginners.

Price comparison: Amazon: $3399 | Walmart: $3199.99 | Best Buy: $3399.99

Reviews consensus: One of the best cameras we’ve tested, the Canon EOS R5 is a powerful snapper capable of some amazing autofocus that makes it ideal for taking pictures of subjects like wildlife. It also offers 8K video recording, although there are limits on that that can make the R5 C more appropriate. Still, with solid battery life and an easily recognizable form factor, it’s a winner.

LiveScience: ★★★★½ | Digital Camera World: ★★★★ | TechRadar: ★★★★½ 

Featured in guides: Best wildlife cameras

Buy it if: You want an easy-to-use, familiar form factor with versatile potential thanks to its impeccable autofocus ability – ideal for astrophotography. It’s also got great battery life, and a solid IBIS system.

Don’t buy it if: You’re a beginner that doesn’t need a huge megapixel count, you don’t need two memory cards (they’re pricey).

© NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Natural Bridges National Monument, the world’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2007.

Light pollution is rampant and increasing. However, despite North America being one of the most light-polluted places on the planet, there is a definite east-west divide. 

In fact, go explore the Colorado Plateau — a region of mesas, tablelands, valleys and canyons that covers Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico — and you’ll find the ideal combination of low population density and very high elevation. Add iconic red rock formations and dozens of International Dark-Sky Association and there are few better places for a stargazing or astrophotography safari. 

However, you need to carefully plan a night sky road trip, both in terms of route and timing, to get the best of what this enchanting area offers. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on planning the most unforgettable stargazing road trips across the region’s stunning landscapes. With a rare annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, visible from eight U.S. states across the, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip across the U.S. Southwest. 

Related: 21 amazing dark sky reserves around the world

Finding dark places

You could visit this region without ever setting foot in a National Park or State Park, a huge number of which have protected night skies. After all, many campgrounds overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are just as dark as anywhere else. You can also just check a light pollution map. 

However, if you want to book campgrounds with facilities or lodging in advance, take advantage of organized stargazing activities by park ranger or you’re after some iconic nightscape astrophotography these dark sky destinations are not to be missed. Some of the most famous in this region include Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Bryce Canyon National Park and Arches National Park in Utah, but that’s just scratching the surface. 

If you’re looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the night sky, our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help you prepare to capture the next skywatching sight on your own. 

Observatories and organized stargazing

The Colorado Plateau has been a mecca for astronomers and stargazers for decades. So it’s no wonder that some of the most famous observatories in the US are situated here. They include Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, the Very Large Array in Socorro, New Mexico and Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Although most of these institutions have visitor’s centers and organize observing nights for the public, you’ll want to plan that in advance.

Also consider visiting smaller observatories and those committed to outreach, such as Stellar Vista Observatory in Kanab, Utah, Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe, Colorado and Gunnison Valley Observatory in Colorado. 

Lastly, don’t overlook organized astronomy and stargazing tours offered by private companies, which are often run by passionate individuals keen to share their wonderful night skies with visitors. Great examples include RedRock Astronomy in Moab, Utah, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours near Bryce Canyon, Utah and Stellar Adventures in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, but there are many more.  

Stargazing road trips: Suggested itineraries

Here are a few suggested road trip routes that make geographical sense. All visit International Dark Sky Parks, observatories and other attractions with a cosmic angle. You can use motels and lodging (the latter often in wood cabins in national parks), but consider renting an RV or camping to get the full starry sky experience. 

Wherever you choose, be sure to leave about 10 days before the new moon so you experience true dark skies (double-check that you’ll avoid the week before the full moon when night skies are bleached).  

1. Sin City to the Mile High City

A one-way car or RV rental on a trip between Sin City and Mile High City is best done slowly such is the wealth of dark skies. 

From Las Vegas the first stop is Zion National Park followed by the hoodoos of busy Bryce Canyon National Park (don’t miss the excellent astronomy program on Fridays and Saturdays in summer) and the spires of the empty Kodachrome Basin State Park. Now comes the remote part, with the vast wilderness of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument available to the east as Scenic Byway 12 takes you to Capitol Reef National Park (and its night sky program), perhaps via the super-dark Calf Creek Campground. Next comes the other-worldly Goblin Valley State Park before you hit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. 

If you’re in a rush to get to Denver then take Interstate 70 and stop off only at Colorado National Monument. If you have more time head into the mountains for Black Canyon of the Gunnison, being sure to book in advance for the public Gunnison Valley Observatory. A final option on the way back to Denver is Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe. 

2. Trail of the Ancients and archaeoastronomy

When you stargaze from the ancient landscapes of the Four Corners region you’re standing on the shoulders of giants, with the Ancestral Puebloans’ knowledge of how the night sky changes astounding. 

You can see ancient buildings aligned with the stars and much more on the Trail of the Ancients tour, whose core is a 116-mile trail along Scenic Byways that takes in the six prehistoric villages of Hovenweep National Monument and the cliff-dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, both of which are International Dark Sky Parks. However, with a few more days you can also visit Chaco Culture National Park, home to kivas, a pictograph thought to depict the supernova that caused the Crab Nebula and a petroglyph that could be an eclipse … as well as a night sky program. Very close to the Trail of the Ancients are the dark skies of Natural Bridges National Monument and Goosenecks State Park while Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park — though not a designated dark sky park — will be hard to resist.  

3. Skiing and stargazing in Utah

Between November and April, Utah has some of the best skiing and stargazing in the world, so why not combine the two?

A great place to base yourself is in the Ogden Valley northwest of Salt Lake City. Here, shielded by the Wasatch Mountains is North Fork Park, an International Dark Sky Park, next to Ogden Nordic Ski Resort. Close by is the low-key and beautiful Powder Mountain — one of the largest ski areas in North America — while to the south is Huntsville, home to Compass Rose Lodge, a boutique hotel with the impressive Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO) on top (Starwalk Tours are available). 

After you’ve also skied Snowbasin just to the south, and possibly Sundance, drive four hours southeast to take advantage of cool temperatures and clear skies over Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. 

For more information and guidance for a Utah-based stargazing trip, the tourism website VisitUtah.com has a wealth of useful resources.

4. The Great Western Starry Way

Promoted by the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative, this epic stargazing journey travels Glacier National Park in Montana to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, stopping off everywhere from Yellowstone National Park and the adjacent Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho before visiting a mess of national parks across Utah and Arizona. 

5. Tucson to Albuquerque

This long journey takes in some of the best-known and least-known stargazing destinations in the U.S. Southwest, encountering some of the darkest skies in the world. 

After attending some observing programs at Kitt Peak National Observatory and SkyNights at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter near Tucson, head north for dark skies at Oracle State Park or Tonto National Monument in the Sonoran Desert before swerving Phenix to aim for one of the International Dark Sky Communities in the red rock villages of Cottonwood, Oak Creek or Sedona (the latter is home to Sedona Star Gazing tours).

Next comes Flagstaff, Dark Sky City and home to the fabulous Lowell Observatory. After a day treading its Planet Walk, Galaxy Walk and checking out the Pluto Discovery Telescope return after dark to use telescopes at its excellent Giovale Open Deck Observatory. The next stop is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park for a few nights (there’s a star party each June). Head back to Flagstaff and on to Meteor Crater — the best-preserved meteorite impact site on the planet — before staying overnight at Petrified Forest National Park. 

Related: 10 Earth impact craters you must see

Consider a daytime visit to the Very Large Array short of Magdelena before cutting in to stay a night or two at the super-remote Cosmic Campground in the Gila National Forest, a precious International Dark Sky Sanctuary with hard-surface observing pads for telescopes and no artificial light for nearly 25 miles in any direction. From here return to Tucson via Mount Graham International Observatory (book a weekend tour in advance, offered mid-May through October). For one last look at the stars visit Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona, before returning to Tucson with stars in your eyes.